Interpretive Summary: Invasive insect pests can sometimes be eradicated, particularly during the early stages of their establishment. Scientists at the USDA-ARS, Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, Gainesville, Florida, with APHIS and University colleagues review the means of eradication and the situations in which they might be most favorably deployed. These include Sterile Insect Technique and certain forms of biological control. Success is most likely when multiple control measures are used and programs communicate and coordinate with the effected community.

Technical Abstract:
Insect eradication programs are nearly always targeted at recently arrived invasive species with significant pest potential. They attempt to contain a pest to a defined area and then completely eliminate the pest from that area. From a Federal regulatory standpoint, eradication programs are undertaken principally to maintain product marketability and market access or protect natural ecosystems. Eradication can also be an economical, long-term management option because later pest damage and control costs can be avoided. However, eradication efforts are a complex and expensive undertaking and as such, care must be taken in assessing the costs, benefits and likelihood of success before resources are committed. Rarely is eradication achieved using a single pest control tactic. Rather, an integrated approach using complementary tactics and targeting different life stages is recommended. The human dimension of an eradication program also cannot be overlooked. Failure to work with the people affected by the pest or the control program can lead to complications or program failure. This Chapter briefly reviews issues to consider before implementing an insect eradication program, the tactics that can be used/combined to facilitate eradication, and some of the trends and challenges for future eradication programs.